Rising star Felix Auger-Aliassime has failed to make a mark at the 2020 French Open. The young Canadian was easily bested by his Japanese opponent Yoshihito Nishioka in three sets. Following the loss, Auger-Aliassime was frustrated with himself and piled all the blame on his poor display on Court nine. 

This is Felix Auger-Aliassime’s second senior appearance at Roland Garros. Moreover, this year is his main draw debut, which has unfortunately ended in a first-round defeat. Nishioka stormed to a 7-5, 6-3, 6-3 victory where he broke his opponent’s serve six times. 

On the other hand, Felix Auger-Aliassime had 13 chances to break Nishioka, but succeeded only twice. After the game, the 20-year-old reflected on the loss and went a bit harsh on himself for failing to step up. 

“He played good. Also, I wasn’t good, and I could have been better on many of those opportunities,” Auger-Aliassime said. “I give him credit and I take responsibility for that because I just felt like there were too many times where I just didn’t step up and played a decent point.”

Felix Auger-Aliassime is just not sure why he failed to win against Nishioka 

Normally after a defeat, players try and find an explanation for it. The loss might be due to several factors. But when Auger-Aliassime was asked to reflect on it, he just couldn’t lock in on a factor due to which he gave away the defeat. 

“The issue wasn’t technically. The issue could have been mentally, tactically,” he said. “You always see what you could do better but when you’re in the moment you try your best. You try to win, but sometimes it’s not enough, you’re not good enough on the day.”

This is indeed a gut-wrenching loss for the youngster, who hoped that he would fare well at Paris this year. Felix Auger-Aliassime had his best grand slam result at the 2020 US Open this year, when he reached till the fourth round.

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 However, he’s still struggling with clay, and the youngster is not reluctant to put forth the fact. Moreover, he did not impress in his RG preparation at the Italian Open or the German Open.  “It’s been a long time since I’ve played on clay, I haven’t had time to adjust and train,” he said.

“I could have done better, there was no reason. It’s obvious to everyone and myself that I haven’t been able to adapt and do what it takes to play better and win matches,” Felix Auger-Aliassime added. 

With a disappointing end to his French Open campaign, the Canadian sensation would hope to bounce back strong for the remainder of the ATP calendar.